Proverb Facial at Cliveden
Proverb Facial at Cliveden
A new eco approach to beauty treatments in the luxurious haven of Cliveden
The gorgeous Cliveden House Hotel in Berkshire has a new brand joining its spa, which promises a ‘workout’ for the face using natural products that are kind on the environment.
The brand is Proverb, the brainchild of husband and wife team Kirstie and Luke Sherriff, and it has an incredibly green ethos, being carbon neutral and 100% vegan. Each product is designed to have several uses and is gender-neutral, the idea being that households need less products. A Cleanse & Shave Nutrient Mud, for example, is a daily face wash/cleanser and shaving product, that can also be used as a mask once a week. The packaging looks great on your bathroom shelf and can be recycled or refilled.
Kirstie has 20 years in the beauty industry, was listed as the Number One Most Influential Person in the Natural Beauty Yearbook ‘Who’s Who’, and trains therapists. Luke was a professional rugby player, and understandably he took his health very seriously. In 2005, while playing at Harlequins, he was alerted to how body washes and deodorants with aluminium can block sweat ducts to reduce perspiration but perspiration is crucial for temperature regulation. This made him take a fresh look at just what is in many of the skincare products we use.
While the couple wanted their range to be all natural, they also knew that they had to prove them in the lab, too.
So, what’s in store for the facial? Again, it’s designed to be gender-neutral. The language used compares the facial to a workout. After the Cliveden therapists ‘warm up’ the face, there is then what they refer to as a ‘cardio’ workout using moves described as running, skipping, and facial push presses to lift jowls, plump up, and strengthen muscles. There’s then a ‘stretch and cool down’.
It’s a novel approach. Also different is the choice of music while you have the facial done with a mix of uplifting dance tracks rather than your typical spa soundtrack. And it works… my skin was glowing afterwards and I felt energised. I particularly liked the massage that went along with it – you’re gently tested before and after to see how much movement you have in your neck and it’s impressive how supple you are afterwards.
I’ve been using the products since and I have to say I am won over. I particularly love the serum for my face – and also my hands (seriously good anti-ageing effect!). And I plan to use the refillable deodorant, which is such a cool idea.
If you fancy some serious pampering, the day spa package at Cliveden fits the bill perfectly. Not only is the spa as idyllic as you’d expect of this five-star hotel, with a gorgeous indoor pool area and whirlpool, but you can also take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. As well as being the only listed outdoor pool in Britain, it is the famous/infamous spot where, in 1961, 19-year-old model Christine Keeler met politician John Profumo, and they started their scandalous affair. Leave time for a wander around the house, built in 1666, and the spectacular grounds while you are here.
Proverb Spa Day at Cliveden costs £330, including a facial, lunch and use of the spa facilities. A 60-minute facial costs from £150.
